- Report: #326521
Complaint Review: Grant Resource Center - Internet
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Grant Resource Center
www.grantresourcecenter.com Internet, U.S.A.
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Grant MasterGrant Resource Center Unauthorized charge to my VISA debit account Internet
I clicked on an article concerning autism to do some research for my autistic child. I then noticed a banner ad promising a $1.99 "Grant Master" CD, where I could find grants for dealing with autism.
So I paid the $1.99 via VISA, and proceeded to download their program. Not unexpectedly, I was disappointed with the program. Extensive searches of their database revealed exactly ZERO grant programs for autism. Oh well, it was only $1.99.
That's what I thought...until I noticed a charge of $39.95 on my VISA debit. I called, and "Marge" insisted that I had agreed to a free 10 day trial when I ordered my "free" CD, and it was too late to cancel. I responded that I did NOT, that I read everything very carefully, and I would have my bank cancel the charge, and file a fraud complaint with VISA. She repeated that it WAS there. We went back and forth like this maybe 4 or 5 times, with the exact same dialouge (it was actually pretty funny). Finally, she said "since we value you as a customer, we will cancel your membership and refund your $39.95 in 3-5 business days. OK, she read off 3 different cancellation numbers (apparently I had also "Signed up" for 2 other programs without my knowledge of them, either.
So now I'll wait to see if I get my refund. I'm not too optimistic. But I am persistent.
Bucky
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
So I paid the $1.99 via VISA, and proceeded to download their program. Not unexpectedly, I was disappointed with the program. Extensive searches of their database revealed exactly ZERO grant programs for autism. Oh well, it was only $1.99.
That's what I thought...until I noticed a charge of $39.95 on my VISA debit. I called, and "Marge" insisted that I had agreed to a free 10 day trial when I ordered my "free" CD, and it was too late to cancel. I responded that I did NOT, that I read everything very carefully, and I would have my bank cancel the charge, and file a fraud complaint with VISA. She repeated that it WAS there. We went back and forth like this maybe 4 or 5 times, with the exact same dialouge (it was actually pretty funny). Finally, she said "since we value you as a customer, we will cancel your membership and refund your $39.95 in 3-5 business days. OK, she read off 3 different cancellation numbers (apparently I had also "Signed up" for 2 other programs without my knowledge of them, either.
So now I'll wait to see if I get my refund. I'm not too optimistic. But I am persistent.
Bucky
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Ryan
St. George,Utah,
U.S.A.
Resolution Offer
#2UPDATE Employee
Thu, April 17, 2008
First of all let me offer my sincerest apologies to Bucky for any misunderstandings that may have occurred when he placed his order for the CD. The Grant Master educational CD is a grant based program that is designed to help customers Locate Grants, Find Grant Applications, Write Grant Proposals, and assist them with anything else that may be needed in the process of Obtaining Grant Funding. The CD offers the ability to search for grants by keyword(s), in up to 5 simultaneous categories. This program is supplemented by a member's site, this site offers access to live chat support for assistance with any part of the application and proposal process or questions pertaining to the CD or the member's site. You are also provided access to one of the largest grant data bases you can find anywhere. Here you can find both government and private grants. There is also information from Dr. John Porter who is a licensed and certified grant writer. The information that is offered through our members website is more extensive than what other companies sell in coaching programs that cost thousands of dollars. So we feel that we are offering our clients the best value in the industry. There are no commitments with the free product. However, there is a bonus free trial period to membership websites that accompanies the free CD and we do our best to disclose this as it is stated 4 times throughout the ordering process - on the sales page, the order page, the confirmation page and in the confirmation/thank you email, it is then also explained in the 1st paragraph of the Terms and Conditions of the offer. We offer the trial periods to give our clients a chance to use the service and see the value of it for themselves before they are billed for it. The trial periods are free for 7-30 days from the order date depending on which bonuses apply. We do not charge customers that call customer service and canceled during the trial period. It is not our desire to bill clients who do not want the membership after the free trial offer ends. When you order our product you must select "Ship My FREE Kit!". On the same page as that button is the following statement in 10 pt font: Terms and Disclosures. By clicking "Submit" I am ordering the Grant Master CD and trial membership for one dollar and ninety-seven cents, after the 7-day trial I will be charged thirty-nine dollars and ninety-five cents a month thereafter if I do not cancel. I also agree to the 14 day and 21 day bonus trials to Express Business Funding and Network Agenda for seven dollars and ninety-five cents a month and nine dollar and ninety-five cents a month thereafter, should I choose not to cancel. I have read and agree to the PRIVACY POLICY (last updated: 02/12/2007) & Terms and Conditions. Charges will appear on credit/debit statements as "GrantSearchAsst".To cancel call 1-866-396-5694, M - F, 9am - 9pm EST. Bucky, I was able to locate your account and do see that you were able to reach customer service and that they addressed concerns to your satisfaction and canceled your account per your requests. If you are another customer that is reading this and you need to reach customer service please dial the number provided in the above disclosure. Here you will find a happy, helpful agent waiting to assist you with all your account needs. If you have tried customer service but feel we have failed you in some way or you feel you weren't treated fairly please call me directly at 435-773-1795 or email me at [email protected] and I would be happy to address your concerns ASAP. Sincerely, Ryan R.
